stalwart 1 of 2

1
as in valiant
feeling or displaying no fear by temperament the stalwart soldiers in the army of Alexander the Great, who willingly followed him to the ends of the known world

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
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stalwart

2 of 2

noun

Synonym Chooser

How is the word stalwart different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of stalwart are stout, strong, sturdy, tenacious, and tough. While all these words mean "showing power to resist or to endure," stalwart suggests an unshakable dependability.

stalwart environmentalists

When is it sensible to use stout instead of stalwart?

The meanings of stout and stalwart largely overlap; however, stout suggests an ability to endure stress, pain, or hard use without giving way.

stout hiking boots

Where would strong be a reasonable alternative to stalwart?

The synonyms strong and stalwart are sometimes interchangeable, but strong may imply power derived from muscular vigor, large size, structural soundness, intellectual or spiritual resources.

strong arms
the defense has a strong case

In what contexts can sturdy take the place of stalwart?

While the synonyms sturdy and stalwart are close in meaning, sturdy implies strength derived from vigorous growth, determination of spirit, solidity of construction.

a sturdy table
people of sturdy independence

When can tenacious be used instead of stalwart?

The words tenacious and stalwart can be used in similar contexts, but tenacious suggests strength in seizing, retaining, clinging to, or holding together.

tenacious farmers clinging to an age-old way of life

When is tough a more appropriate choice than stalwart?

In some situations, the words tough and stalwart are roughly equivalent. However, tough implies great firmness and resiliency.

a tough political opponent

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of stalwart
Adjective
The scramble to remain relevant and protect European interests as their once stalwart ally appeared to be cozying up to Putin was made even more troubling when Trump called Zelenskyy a dictator and said Ukraine started the war. Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 3 Mar. 2025 Torres also is a stalwart supporter of Israel, a position increasingly at odds with the Democratic base. David Mark, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 28 Feb. 2025
Noun
Idrissa Gueye and Abdoulaye Doucoure have been stalwarts in recent years, with the former my pick as Everton’s player of the season so far. Patrick Boyland, The Athletic, 19 Mar. 2025 Hardacre’s experience at Osha Thai, another Bay Area stalwart for upscale Thai cuisine, has helped to inform Daughter’s decidedly luxurious approach. Colin Wrenn, The Denver Post, 19 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for stalwart
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stalwart
Adjective
  • Bree Hall, Sania Feagin and Raven Johnson are valiant seniors who play fearlessly after winning it all twice in three years.
    Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Minutes from an upset of top-seed Florida, the reigning back-to-back national champions saw their record-long 13-game NCAA Tournament winning streak come to an end after a valiant effort at the Lenovo Center Sunday afternoon, the final score 77-75.
    Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 23 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • This results in a charge imbalance that builds up an electric field strong enough to trigger flashes of lightning.
    National Geographic, National Geographic, 13 Jan. 2023
  • According to research from Everytown for Gun Safety, a nonprofit that advocates for gun control, strong gun control laws are correlated with fewer gun deaths.
    Elliot Hughes, Journal Sentinel, 13 Jan. 2023
Adjective
  • It’s built from a sturdy metal base with a solid wood and plywood frame and has a swivel design that rotates 360 degrees.
    Megan Schaltegger, People.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Stockholm 2025 features woods paired with tangible surfaces and natural fibers, linen and leather, which serve the home to create a unique variation on sturdy wood furniture.
    Julia Teti, Footwear News, 8 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Meanwhile, Dallas activist and head of an organization called Next Generation Action Network Dominique Alexander met with Frisco Police Tuesday behind closed doors.
    Peter D'Abrosca, FOXNews.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Washington prosecutors’ case against Martin is the latest blow against Declare Emergency, a climate activist group that aims to draw attention to the warming climate.
    Michael Loria, USA Today, 9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Those are the types of questions courageous politicians should be embracing.
    Sammy Roth, Los Angeles Times, 27 Mar. 2025
  • With 72% of employees avoiding conflict, missed opportunities cost organizations dearly—but teams leveraging the simplest collaboration tools can more easily foster courageous communication and experience a 79% boost in transparency and effectiveness.
    Keith Ferrazzi, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Left behind by the president’s muscular new approach are thousands of women and children – some of them American citizens – who now face the loss of family and faith in the promise of a better life in the United States.
    Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 3 Apr. 2025
  • Young children who previously would have been condemned to certain death at the hands of a rare disease, such as severe spinal muscular atrophy, now have a chance at life.
    Nicholas Florko, The Atlantic, 2 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The good news for supporters of seven of the Premier League’s 20 clubs is that their lads will play for a trip to Wembley Stadium in next month’s FA Cup semi-finals at some point over the weekend.
    Dan Sheldon, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Dozens of Khalil supporters showed up at the New Jersey courtroom, necessitating an overflow room for those who wanted to watch the proceedings.
    Gloria Pazmino, CNN Money, 28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • This is another stark reminder of the selfless sacrifice of our brave military men and women who risk their lives around the world every day to keep us safe.
    Emily Shapiro, ABC News, 1 Apr. 2025
  • Malavasi, whose story is little known outside Reggio Emilia, is one of four brave heroines featured in historian Suzanne Cope’s new book, Women of War: The Italian Assassins, Spies and Couriers Who Fought the Nazis.
    Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 1 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Stalwart.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stalwart. Accessed 14 Apr. 2025.

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